Specialized Antimicrobial Efficacy Test Method and Services

Beyond the primary standards for hand washes and surgical scrubs, Eurofins CRL offers a suite of specialised testing services designed to provide targeted, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. These services are ideal for supporting early-stage R&D, substantiating unique marketing claims, and addressing the specific challenges of products intended for the healthcare market. This demonstrates a tiered service offering that can be tailored to a client's specific product, budget, and claims-support needs.

Finger Pad Methods (ASTM 2276 & ASTM 1838)

Purpose

Finger pad methods are in vivo tests that provide a more targeted, less complex, and often more cost-effective alternative to whole-hand contamination studies. By localizing the application of the inoculum and test product to the fingerpads, multiple data points can be collected from a single subject, making these methods highly efficient screening tools for initial formulation development.

• ASTM 2276 (Bacterial): This antimicrobial efficacy test method evaluates the bacteria-eliminating effectiveness of hygienic handwash and handrub agents. It is an excellent tool for screening new formulations before committing to a full, more resource-intensive whole-hand protocol like ASTM 1174.
• ASTM 1838 (Viral): This standard is analogous to 2276 but is designed to determine the virus-eliminating effectiveness of hand hygiene products. Given that hands are a primary vehicle for the spread of viral infections, this test is crucial for generating the data needed to substantiate antiviral claims on product labels and in marketing materials.

Persistent & Residual Efficacy Substantiation

Purpose

"Persistent" or "residual" preservative efficacy test is not a standalone test method but rather a critical performance claim that must be substantiated through specific testing protocols. It refers to a product's ability to maintain its antimicrobial efficacy test effect for a significant duration after application. Standards like ASTM 1115 are explicitly designed to measure this for surgical scrubs by sampling hours after use. By highlighting this capability, we demonstrate a clear understanding of our clients' commercial objectives, which extend beyond basic regulatory compliance to include powerful marketing claims that differentiate their products in a competitive marketplace.

CHG Compatibility Testing

Purpose

This highly specialised antimicrobial efficacy test method is essential for companies developing adjunctive products, such as skin lotions or moisturisers, for hospitals and clinical environments. Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is a broad-spectrum antiseptic widely used in surgical scrubs and healthcare personnel handwashes. Certain ingredients in lotions or moisturisers can reduce the preservative efficacy and neutralise CHG’s antimicrobial activity, potentially compromising critical infection control protocols.

Our CHG compatibility testing ensures that your product does not interfere with CHG’s effectiveness, validating both antimicrobial efficacy and preservative performance. Incorporating this specialised service demonstrates our deep understanding of healthcare market requirements, product safety, and regulatory compliance, while supporting strong product claims in a competitive landscape.

FAQs 

Q1: What are specialised antimicrobial efficacy testing services?

Specialised antimicrobial efficacy testing services include tailored methods like finger pad tests, CHG compatibility, and residual effect studies. These services provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for R&D and product claims.

Q2: How do finger pad methods support product development?

Finger pad methods (ASTM 2276 & ASTM 1838) are in vivo antimicrobial efficacy test methods that provide efficient screening for new formulations. They allow multiple data points per subject, saving time and resources.

Q3: What is persistent or residual antimicrobial efficacy, and why does it matter?

Persistent or residual antimicrobial efficacy refers to a product’s ability to continue inhibiting microbial growth for a defined period after application. Unlike immediate reduction, which measures short-term effectiveness, residual efficacy demonstrates ongoing protection—typically over several hours. 

Q4: Why is CHG compatibility testing important?

CHG compatibility testing ensures adjunctive products, like lotions, do not reduce the antimicrobial activity of Chlorhexidine Gluconate. This is critical for infection control and safety in healthcare environments.

Q5: Who benefits from specialised antimicrobial efficacy tests?

Manufacturers of healthcare, cosmetic, and hygiene products benefit from these services to meet compliance and strengthen claims. They help differentiate products in competitive global markets.

Support Innovation with Confidence. Request Specialised Efficacy Testing Today.